the system malfunctions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the system malfunctions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where a system is not functioning properly or is experiencing errors. Example: "During the testing phase, we discovered that the system malfunctions whenever the user inputs invalid data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Even more importantly, they need safety drivers able to take control back in an instant if the system malfunctions.

The Guardian - Tech

Depending on which part of the system malfunctions, the symptoms can be wide-ranging and confusing, as well as debilitating.

The New York Times - Health

If the system malfunctions, Boeing has always given pilots an easy way to override the automation system, executives said in interviews with the media.

The Washington Post

The paper investigates performance degradation of DRAS under the system malfunctions and addresses the problem of active switching of DRAS from HA to EHA to ensure the reliable actuation and efficient control.

Journal of the Franklin Institute

It will also include new cockpit alerts showing when the system malfunctions.

Los Angeles Times

According to the "malfunction criterion" (the average number of spikes in the last five bursts is smaller than three), the system malfunctions.

BMC Medical Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But in fact, Mr. Ryan said yesterday, the system malfunctioned the day after it was installed on June 27.

The New York Times

Philip E. Coyle III, the former director of testing for the Pentagon, said that had the system malfunctioned in a real attack, a battle manager might have continued firing interceptors at a target that had been destroyed, wasting precious weapons.

The New York Times

But an investigation of the Lion Air flight last year suggested the system malfunctioned, and forced the plane's nose down more than 20 times before it crashed into the sea, killing all 189 passengers and crew.

BBC

An investigation of the Lion Air flight last year suggested the system malfunctioned, meaning that the plane's computer forced the nose of the plane down more than 20 times, before it crashed into the sea, killing all 189 passengers and crew.

BBC

We don't investigate how the system malfunctioned.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing system failures, specify which component or function is affected to provide more clarity for your audience. For example, instead of saying, "the system malfunctions", say "the cooling system malfunctions".

Common error

Avoid using "the system malfunctions" without providing any context or details about which system is malfunctioning. Always clarify what system you are referring to and, if possible, describe the nature of the malfunction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the system malfunctions" primarily functions as a statement describing a condition where a system is not operating correctly. It's a declarative statement used to report or indicate a failure or irregularity within a system. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

38%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the system malfunctions" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes a failure or improper function of a system. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not extremely common, it appears frequently enough in news, scientific, and technical contexts to be considered a useful phrase. When employing this phrase, make sure you clearly identify the specific system you're referring to and consider providing more detail about the nature of the malfunction to ensure clarity. Alternatives such as "the system fails" or "the system breaks down" offer similar meanings but may imply slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the system fails

Focuses on the outright failure of the system, implying a complete cessation of function.

the system breaks down

Suggests a gradual degradation of the system's ability to function.

the system is faulty

Highlights a defect or flaw within the system that causes it to malfunction.

the system is defective

Similar to 'faulty', emphasizing an inherent flaw that leads to malfunction.

the system is out of order

Indicates that the system is temporarily unable to perform its intended function.

the system stops working

A straightforward description of the system ceasing to function.

the system isn't functioning properly

Highlights that the system is operating, but not as expected or required.

the system is acting up

Implies intermittent or unpredictable malfunctions.

the system's performance degrades

Focuses on the decline in the system's efficiency or effectiveness over time.

the system encounters an error

Highlights a specific error event that causes the system to malfunction.

FAQs

How can I use "the system malfunctions" in a sentence?

You can use "the system malfunctions" to describe situations where a process, mechanism, or organization fails to operate correctly. For example, "If the cooling system malfunctions, it could lead to a dangerous situation."

What are some alternatives to saying "the system malfunctions"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the system fails", "the system breaks down", or "the system is faulty", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "the system malfunctions"?

Yes, "the system malfunctions" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English sentence structure with a subject ("the system") and a verb ("malfunctions").

What does it mean when someone says "the system malfunctions"?

When someone says "the system malfunctions", they mean that a particular system is not working as it should, experiencing errors, or completely failing to perform its intended function.